Powerful Earthquake Shakes Delhi-NCR, Northern India, and Bihar
On the evening of February 17, 2025, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale shook Delhi-NCR and several regions of northern India, including Bihar. The earthquake, which struck at approximately 7:20 PM local time, had its epicenter in Nepal, about 250 kilometers to the north of Delhi. While the tremors lasted for around 20-30 seconds, their impact was far-reaching, causing panic across the affected areas.
Tremors Felt Across Delhi-NCR
In the Indian capital, Delhi, the tremors were felt strongly in both residential and commercial areas, particularly in high-rise buildings in neighborhoods such as Connaught Place, Saket, and Dwarka. As the tremors rattled buildings, people in offices, shopping malls, and homes rushed out to open spaces, fearing the worst. Some buildings showed signs of damage, including minor cracks in walls and ceilings, though no major structural collapse was reported.
“I was sitting at my desk when the entire building started shaking. It felt like the ground was moving beneath us. We evacuated the building immediately,” said Ramesh Kumar, an office worker in the Saket area. Many Delhi residents echoed similar accounts of panic and confusion as the earthquake struck without warning.
Traffic was momentarily disrupted as commuters, unsure of what was happening, stopped their vehicles and abandoned them to seek safety. Metro services were also briefly suspended to ensure passenger safety. However, services resumed after the initial tremors subsided, with authorities reassuring the public that the situation was being closely monitored.
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) quickly activated emergency protocols and deployed teams to assess potential damage and respond to any immediate needs. Fortunately, no fatalities or significant injuries were reported, although many people experienced heightened anxiety in the wake of the event.
Impact in Bihar and Neighboring States
The tremors were also felt in parts of Bihar, especially in cities like Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur. In Patna, the earthquake prompted mass evacuations, with people leaving their homes and offices in fear of aftershocks. Some older buildings in the region were reported to have developed cracks, but there have been no confirmed reports of major structural damage.
“We were in a meeting when the entire building started shaking. People started running out immediately. It was terrifying,” said Poonam Singh, a resident of Patna. “The ground seemed to tremble for what felt like a long time. We didn’t know if it would stop or get worse.”
The tremors were also felt in neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, as well as in parts of Rajasthan. In these regions, residents reported feeling significant shaking, but similar to Delhi and Bihar, there were no major reports of damage or casualties.
Aftershocks and Continued Vigilance
Seismologists have warned that aftershocks may continue in the coming hours, urging residents in affected areas to remain alert. The National Seismological Centre (NSC) has confirmed that the earthquake’s epicenter was located in Nepal, a region prone to seismic activity due to its location along the tectonic plate boundaries of the Himalayas. Experts have assured the public that although the initial earthquake was strong, the situation could have been much worse if the epicenter had been closer to heavily populated areas.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and preparing for possible aftershocks. While the magnitude of the earthquake was significant, the widespread impact could have been much worse,” said Dr. R. K. Sharma, a senior seismologist with the Indian Meteorological Department.
Preparedness and Safety Measures
The earthquake serves as a reminder of India’s vulnerability to seismic events, particularly in the northern and northeastern regions. Local authorities have stressed the importance of disaster preparedness, urging people to secure furniture and know evacuation routes.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has activated its emergency response systems and is coordinating with local authorities to assess the situation and provide assistance where needed.
As night fell, residents in Delhi, Bihar, and northern India remained on edge, awaiting further updates and hoping that the worst had passed. While the immediate aftermath of the earthquake appears to be manageable, authorities continue to monitor for any aftershocks that could further affect the region.
Published: 17th February 2025
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